Who is Everton’s £35 million rated defensive target David Lopez?

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Reports from Spain suggest that Everton may make a big money bid as Marco Silva looks to rejuvenate the Toffees’ back line, having yet to dip his toes into transfer window this summer after last summer’s catastrophes cost Ronaldo Koeman his job, with Espanyol captain David Lopez being eyed up.

Mundo Deportivo believe that the Merseyside club are one of three clubs, alongside Spanish duo Real Betis and Valencia, to be interested in signing the 28-year-old as his current team grow increasingly concerned that they could lose him.

It comes after Mundo Deportivo previously stated, amid interest from Newcastle United, that Lopez would only be allowed to leave the RCDE Stadium if his release clause of €40 million (£35.4 million) were to be paid in full, though the latest reports suggest that Everton would not be willing to match that.

The former Napoli man is not well known by many in the Premier League, but he has quietly developed a reputation as one of La Liga’s steadiest defenders and a key part of one of Spain’s most solid defences at times in 2017/18.

Now in his third spell at the Catalan club, Lopez missed only one game last season, due to suspension, and played every other minute of action, keeping 15 clean sheets in 43 appearances, with his leadership and command at the back likely being key to the role that Silva could see him taking up at Goodison Park.

“It would not be good for the team if he were to leave because he is a player with status and in the spine of the team. Finding a player of his quality is complicated. It would be a tough blow and it would not be positive for the team. I hope he will continue, with him we gain a lot on the ball, in terms of tactical sense and helping the team. He’s a key man.”

Team-mate Victor Sanchez recently discussed the impact losing Lopez would have on Espanyol, speaking to L’Esportiu de Catalunya.

Consistent and strong in the tackle, Lopez offers everything that Everton have been crying out for as they look to replace their ageing giants of Phil Jagielka and Ashley Williams.

With a ready made leader potentially ready to come in alongside Michael Keane, Lopez may not be the kind of glamour buy that some fans may have been hoping for, but he will certainly get the job done and bring a rich pedigree with him.